Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is rapidly becoming one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. Maybe because it's a volcano - almost as old as the earth, yet still alive and amazing. Streams of lava have long since subsided, yet the surrounding landscapes and fauna fascinate from the very first moment. Impressions are even more colorful if climbing is combined with a trip through the National Park and sightseeing of other nearby volcanoes. 3 hour drive from Arusha town (Kilimanjaro International Airport) and the nearly 6000-metre tall giant rises up before your eyes. Kilimanjaro peak can be reached in about 5 days. A descent, passing along the crater edge, takes 2 days. You can climb inside the approximately 2 km wide crater, which, in its turn, contains yet another cone and a smaller crater. In a week's time you can manage to experience rainforests, mountain meadows and absolutely stunning moon above. The landscape ranges from a verdant thicket to desert-like scenery. It's amazing, moreover - entirely accessible to anyone! In spite of steep uphill climb, it doesn't require any special training - all you need is good boots and a warm, windproof jacket. Even though temperatures at the foot of the mountain may reach +30°C and more during the dry season (December, January and February), it gets much cooler up there. Another time to climb is August to September. The time to avoid is Kilimanjaro wet season when rains seizes this part of the world, and a shower is hardly the word to describe it...Yet it would be shame to limit your visit of Tanzania to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, and 2 or 3 days should be devoted to crisscrossing the National Park in a jeep. The Black Continent boasts such a unique diversity of wildlife that it literally leaves you open-mouthed with amazement. Ranging from little rodents to leisurely pacing elephants and giraffes, there are any creatures you can only imagine - genuine, beautiful and free. But to see sights like in Bounty commercials, visit Zanzibar Island, located just a short distance from Tanzania coastline. Palm-trees, white beaches, thatched-roof cottages and greenish-blue face of the ocean that changes its features along with high and low tides. And finally, take a chance to see the Ngorongoro Crater, located one-day drive from Kilimanjaro. The 18 km wide crater houses an entirely different world in it. Its highest edge reaches altitude of 2.5 km, while within, 2 km downwards, spreads a microcosm of African savanna with all its dwellers - much like in a Spielberg's movie!Useful information - Mt Kilimanjaro is enclosed by the Kilimanjaro National Park. Visitors are let in through a special entrance gate and only guided tours along 5 - 6 routes are allowed. Aside from a guide, a safari crew includes also a porter and a cook.